guarana

noun

gua·​ra·​na ˌgwä-rə-ˈnä 

: a dried paste that is made from the seeds of a South American climbing shrub (Paullinia cupana) of the soapberry family, that contains caffeine and tannin, and that is used as a stimulant

also : this plant

Examples of guarana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The juicy blend of guarana and cupuacu butter smells like a vacation in a tub, perfect for after-sun care or layering your fragrance during the summer. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025

Plus, the compounds in guarana have been shown to possibly slow the growth of cancer cells, help manage cholesterol levels, provide pain relief, and contribute to antiaging effects. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 27 May 2025

Buzzes Without Booze Image Drinks spiked with cannabis and other mood-altering components like kava, guarana and a brain-calming amino acid known as GABA will explode as interest in alcohol declines, especially among Gen Zers. —Kim Severson, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024

Herbal products that naturally contain caffeine include guarana (Paullinia cupana) and kola nut (Cola nitida).1 Caffeine is considered safe in doses less than 400-500 milligrams daily. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 20 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese guaraná, from Nhengatu (Tupi-based lingua franca of Amazonia), from Sateré-Mawé (Tupian language of the middle Amazon River basin) warana

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for guarana

• asana
• chicana
• iguana
• liana
• madonna
• maulana
• nirvana
• purana
• sadhana
• ana
• bwana
• dhyana

Medical Definition

guarana

noun

gua·​ra·​na ˌgwär-ə-ˈnä 

: a dried paste made from the seeds of a Brazilian climbing shrub (Paullinia cupana) containing tannin and caffeine and used in making an astringent drink